Amid a flurry of allegations of war crimes allegedly committed by Russian forces fighting in Ukraine, Moscow is pushing for tougher penalties on those who “defame,” or “slander” those fighting in Russia’s name.

Although already today anyone who “defames” the Russian army faces the risk of imprisonment, in the future this will apply to everyone who takes part in the hostilities, including the mercenaries of the private military company Wagner, the personal army of businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The heaviest penalty for “defaming” Russian militants will be increased from five years to seven years in prison. As criticism of the Russian military’s actions continues to be frequent despite the draconian legislation, the threat of heavier penalties is intended to deter them.

Mr Prigozhin, who is believed to have a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has personally called for the legislation to be changed. The speaker of the Russian parliament Vyacheslav Valodin took the initiative for this — initially he talked about imposing sentences of up to 15 years in prison.

A draft law for this reform was already approved in first reading. Its vote by article is expected today and its approval as a whole on March 14.